Rich in Spirit Swoops to John Franks Victory

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(from Calder report)
Glen Hill Farm's Kentucky shipper Rich in Spirit rewarded her connections with a victory in Saturday's $100,000 John Franks Juvenile Fillies Turf on Florida Million day at Calder Race Course.

Winning her third straight on the grass, the late-running Florida homebred daughter of Repriced won by a length over another closer, Dansetta Light. Those two surged past pacesetter Yes It's Gold in the final stages of the 1 1/16 miles turf race. Ridden by Javier Castellano, Rich in Spirit completed the distance in 1:41 2/5.

Making her first start on grass, Yes It's Gold, ridden by Jerry Bailey, set all the early pace. Rich in Spirit closed rapidly on the outside. Dansetta Light also came on with a rush, getting a half-length advantage over Yes It's Gold at the wire.

Trained by Tom Proctor, Rich in Spirit has now won three consecutive races. This was her first stakes victory. Sent off at even-money, Rich in Spirit paid $4.20, 2.80, 2.20; Dansetta Light returned $4.40, 2.60; Yes It's Gold paid $2.40.

Rich in Spirit won her stakes debut in the Franks, her third victory in five starts. She came into the race after winning an allowance race at 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland sod Oct. 15. The victory increased her career earnings to more than $100,000.

(Chart, Equibase)

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